Mis En Scene

  

 ⋆˙⟡ Mis En Scene of The Hunger Games ✶⋆.˚

                        

    Hey everyone! I am so glad you are back to see my latest blog. Let's dive into this together! 
          

Today, I will be evaluating another one of my FAVORITE movies: 

Movie Info

Movie: The Hunger Games

By: Gary Ross

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Costuming

    Description: In this scene, the tributes are paraded around in the opening ceremony for all the Capitol to gawk at. The costuming in this scene is especially important as the outfits Cinna and Portia choose for Katniss and Peeta impact the story later on as they help them become the main stars of the show. From this, ALL eyes are on them now as they were the MOST captivating duo of the tribute parade eventually leading to their many sponsors and popularity within the Games. Furthermore, these costumes are also significant for the viewers as this is the first Katniss's identity as the "Girl on Fire" is established in the film which is essential for her character and the plot later on in the story. The pitch black both of them are dressed in represents the coal mining of District 12, but it also symbolizes their power, elegance, and in a way their later rebellious nature. The shininess of their costumes also furthers the power given to the characters as human brains are hardwired to notice and love shiny things. It basically all screams "LOOK AT ME" to the audience as they ARE the main focal point of the story. Lastly, let's not forget about the fire part of the "coal being lit on fire" part of their outfits as it literally makes them divine (in many cultures fire symbolizes purity and divinity). In addition to that, the designers purposely made the fire trail behind Katniss and Peeta making it seem like wings, foreshadowing the Mockingjay and the fight for freedom.

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Actors & Framing & Props

    Description: Amandla Stenberg who plays Rue in the movie perfectly encapsulates the innocence of Rue's character along with portraying the cruelty of the Capitol. The youthful look of 14-year-old Stenberg just makes the scene so much MORE heartbreaking than if an older actress did it. Furthermore, Jennifer Lawrence's performance as Katniss matches the audience's reaction to the death of 12-year-old Rue so brilliantly as the pain Katniss is feeling is JUST palpable which helps immerse everyone within this moment as if time was only just an observer. Katniss's makeshift burial made out of flowers for Rue paints an even worse picture (like watching a little bird's wings get clipped by the savagery of the Games) as the white and baby blue flowers further highlight the childlike appearance of Rue, and it transforms her death into something even BIGGER than the Games, pouring gasoline on flames that were thought to be stamped out. Lastly, the framing of the scene as Katniss crouches in relation to Rue's body further develops her pain and suffering and reveals the close relationship between the two as Katniss tries to get close to what she has lost (Rue) but she knows she can NEVER get her back again. Both characters are placed near the center following the rule of thirds for the viewer to focus solely on them and this pivotal scene.

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Lighting & Framing

    Description: When Katniss volunteers as tribute for her sister, the lighting is all on HER. The use of motivated light within the story draws the audience's eyes to her grief and pain as she makes the BIGGEST decision of her life which inevitably changes the whole trajectory of her life while the natural light keeps the scene realistic and relatable to the audience as they get put in her shoes, helping them empathize with her plight. The use of high key lighting in contrast to such a miserable scene creates an unsettling atmosphere and a sense of helplessness as Katniss cannot save both her sister and herself so she chooses to sacrifice herself instead. Additionally, the framing of the scene of Katniss being held back by Peacekeepers adds to the powerlessness Katniss feels in the face of the Capitol's power and ruthlessness. Lastly, the crowd in the background doing nothing as they watch her freak out further develops the vulnerability of the scene and the weakness Katniss feels despite being such a STRONG character herself. 

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Props & Scenery & Setting

    Description: There are so MANY props in the cornucopia bloodbath scene as this is the moment where the tributes all start to fight with their lives on the line. All the weapons in this scene tell the audience that this is NOT just some game and this is actually reality, a cruel bloodthirsty one. Furthermore, the survival packs reveal that this will last for WEEKS until there is only ONE person left standing as there is no certain time frame for when the Games end further exemplifying the severity of the situation. The whole scenery of the situation with the mysterious forest and the black cornucopia in conjunction with the props all help tell a story of life and death that is prevalent throughout the Hunger Games. Forests within media usually represent mystery as well as the cycle of life and death. Just like we see in the Games, the forest is filled with unknowns waiting to kill you but also provides items that can help sustain your life and aid in survival. Moreover, the black cornucopia can also add to this as black in most cultures is the color of DEATH whereas cornucopias symbolize life as they provide a healthy harvest. Lastly, the setting of the arena creates the conflict between the characters as they ALL know it is "kill or be killed" leading to a desperate fight for survival you see throughout the movie.

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Location

    Description: The location of MOST of the movie is in the Capitol which is inside of the country of Panem, and it is seen as the main antagonist for this movie. The contrast between the wealth disparities and behaviors of Capitol citizens vs. District citizens is very apparent, giving more story importance and agency to the location as the characters resent the very society they live in. This allows the audience to know HOW the location affects the story and atmosphere as for most the future is bleak even when they win, and this is reflected within the visuals of the movie.

    Thanks for reading as I really appreciate it, and watch OUT for my next blog very soon!